Fever in Adults and Children: When to Worry
Fever is a symptom, not a disease. Know the red flags.
What counts as fever
A temperature of 38 °C (100.4 °F) or higher is a fever. Most fevers from viral infections are harmless and settle in a few days.
Red flags
Seek urgent help for fever in babies under 3 months, stiff neck, rash that does not fade, confusion, breathing difficulty or a temperature above 40 °C.
Home care
Rest, drink fluids and use paracetamol or ibuprofen for comfort if safe for you. Dress lightly and monitor symptoms.
Try it: Body Temperature & Fever Checker
Example with sample values. Open the full calculator →
Celsius37.8 °C
Fahrenheit100 °F
This is within or near the normal range.
Educational content only. This article does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. Medical disclaimer.